St. Louis vs Columbia: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between St. Louis, MO and Columbia, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | Columbia, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $244,380 | $326,299▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $117.49 | $156.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $226,159 | $226,622▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $226,169 | $257,729▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $330,307▲ | $326,299 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $350,106▲ | $326,299 |
| Total Employed | 650▲ | 90 |
Verdict
St. Louis and Columbia are closely matched on overall nurse anesthetist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between St. Louis and Columbia is $81,919 (33.52%). Columbia's median is +31.10% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in St. Louis spans $123,947,Columbia spans $99,677. St. Louis has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbia ($364,833 effective) pays 41.96% more than St. Louis ($257,004 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($350,106)
- ✓Larger job market (650 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($326,299/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $364,833)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in St. Louis grew 43.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 79.8% growth in Columbia over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$161,410 (2019) → $232,300 (2025)
Columbia, MO
$172,490 (2019) → $310,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
Columbia, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: St. Louis or Columbia?
What is the hourly rate difference between St. Louis and Columbia?
Should I relocate from St. Louis to Columbia as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in St. Louis vs Columbia?
Related Comparisons
Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov